Registering was the bane of my existence.  Really, I hated it – all those years ago.  Has it really changed that much?

Here’s how it goes.  You spend a countless number of hours on the computer or in the store with that stupid gun – picking the things you want.  Trying to make sure to choose things from a variety of price ranges.  For me, it was trying to figure out a puzzle – what matches, what do I need – what will I need 50 years down the road….etc, etc, etc.  Then, you pray that your guests use it – eagerly logging in every evening to see if an item has disappeared.

Sound familiar?

I remember more than half of the cheaper items on the registry, I didn’t really care anything about.  They were put on the for the convenience of our guests.  What I really wanted was the All Clad Pans, none of which I got.  Anyhow, most of our guests didn’t even buy of the registry, so what the hell?

Hopefully, long gone are the days of wasting countless hours, and getting things that you do not want or need.  Why not register and do something great for the environment.  Check out these online eco-savvy options

Green  Depot – Like the sustainable Home Depot.  check it out!

Re:Modern -   Beautiful and functional sustainable items for your home

Your guests might feel better about the choices.  Maybe they will go there.  Who knows.  These are also great registries to go along with a donation registry – as some people feel that they need a more traditional “present” option.

I hope this gives all you Eco-Chic Brides more ideas!

Happy planning!

Thanks again to the Green Wedding Guide for the awesome ideas.  Thanks to The Wedding Bee for the awesome picture!

I would suppose that I have a sweet tooth this morning.  Typically not into chocolate – at all.  But this does sound delicious – and contributes to the betterment of society – so I thought I would share it with you…

By buying these chocolates, you are supporting a better life for farmers and their families through fair prices, direct trade, community development and environmental stewardship.

They look so good but it’s way to early in the AM.

I found these fair trade bits of deliciousness at Dream Green Weddings.  They not only offer favors but so much more.  Check them out!

Happy eco-friendly favor shopping!

Yesterday, I went with a couple to Stronga Yoga.  Have you ever heard of it?  The space is unbelievable.  Amazing!  There is so much you can do with the space.

But I digress.

Anyhow, they are not a client – well not really.  They are thinking about using this space for their 2011 wedding, but wanted to know the implications.  What do I mean?  This beautiful space is not all inclusive.  You have to bring in everything – and there are a few challenges.  They hired me to walk though and give them my professional opinion – before they commit.

How Zen of them, no?

Really, this couple is “on the ball”!  By spending a bit of money in the beginning, they now have a realistic view of what they are about to undertake.  In the end, they will actually – save money.

How could this be?  Spending money to save money?

Interesting concept.

9.8 out of 10 times, when I meet the couple, it’s too late.  They have already invested (maybe unwisely – but they didn’t know it at the time) in an amazing site.  They then go onto their caterer search and find out the realities of life.

Ugh.  I hate that.

I mean, if you are planning on 150 guests, rent a site that’s $6,000.00 and have a $15,000.00 budget – that’s not going to work – no matter how much you squint.

So, by taking a look at the site before hand with a professional and spending $150 bucks,  you now have to power to prioritize (realistically) and decide what you are willing to cut or no to cut – eliminating the – I went over my budget by $15,000.00 routine.  $150 to save $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 is not a bad investment, no?

Yes?

Saving the greenbacks – that’s as eco-friendly as you can get!

Happy planning!

Beautiful artisan jewelry for your engagement and wedding

Naturally understated, these rings are a work of art!

They also offer other jewelry that’s perfect for Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaids’

Check them out on the web – Turtle Love Co

Happy dreaming!

Flowers are so amazingly beautiful – and they scream “wedding”!  Flowers add such a romantic touch – and I can’t imagine a wedding without them.  There are ways to have the beautiful blooms that you dream about – and still be environmentally responsible.  Here are just a few suggestions…

• Choose local and support your local growers!  There is no reason to ship your flowers from Holland or some other far away land.  You may have to make some different choices, but there are some awesome flowers that are grown locally.
• Choose a grower that’s certified by Veriflora.  Flowers with the Veriflora label are certified to be sustainably grown  by encouraging farming practices that build soil, conserve water and support healthy ecosystems.  Veriflora also certifies a healthy and equitable workplace that benefits farmers, workers, families and communities.
• Choose a good silk florist.  Great silk florists can make their flowers look real.  They have the ability to dye and arrange.  When the wedding is over, they come back, take their flowers, re-dye and reuse.  Nice, eh?  If you use a good florist, most likely there will not be any cost savings – but you will be saving the environment.
• Choose to add.  If your wedding is at the right time, use herbs and vegetables in combination with cut flowers.  This way, your guests can bring them home, put them in their window/plant them in their garden – and have fresh vegetables in the fall or fresh herbs throughout the rest of the year!
• Choose to add positively to someone else’s life.  Bring your flowers to a hospital or nursing home – and brighten someone’s day.  Maybe there is a patient that’s not visited a lot.  You could also call a charity to pick up the flowers.  Just make sure you’ve pre-arranged your donation before showing up!

Just a few ways for your wedding flowers to be a win-win for everybody!

Happy planning!

A while ago, I featured Eco-Chic Gowns from Justin Alexander.  Take a look at just some of these sustainable beauties

Blush Bridal Boutique, just 30 minutes outside of DC, carries Justin Alexander.  There are more choices out there ladies.  If you don’t want to go in, call and see.  You can have elegant Silk, bamboo, hemp and more.  Justin goes up to size 20 and can be custom ordered in larger sizes.

You don’t have to be thin in order to sport natural and sustainable fabrics.

Happy planning!